Xtramart Opens, Jumpin Johnnies Commits to Fill Vacancy

One business opened this week on Hartford Turnpike and another has committed to a building some town officials thought would be hard to market.

Mayor George Apel, state Rep. Timothy Ackert and state Sen. Tony Guglielmo were on hand to officially open a new Xtramart at 1032 Hartford Turnpike.

The retail space sits next to Lafayette Plaza where Hartford Turnpike becomes Hyde Avenue along state Route 30.

It housed a temporary Rockville Bank branch and before that a Tim Hortons coffee and doughnut shop.

Apel used a pair of ceremonial scissors nearly as tall as he is for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Meanwhile, Jumpin Johnnies, an indoor bouncy house venue for young people, will take over the space at 234 Talcottville Roads vacated by Cardio Express, which moved up the road.

Because of its circular front and squared-off rear, the old Cardio building could be a tough sell, town officials had surmised. But Jumpin Johnnies brings another recreational use to the building.

Workers are currently converting the old fitness center into a a 12,000-square-foot indoor play place containing that will contain giant inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses designed for children ages 2 through 12.

Owner Jon Dambly said he will offer both open bounce times and take reservations for private parties.

He said he hopes to be open in early March.